NILGA & AILG SIGN 3 YEAR AGREEMENT TO ADVANCE SHARED GOALS

• 28th May 2025

After more than 20 years of partnership and collaboration, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) have officially signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC).

The three-year Memorandum establishes a strategic partnership aimed at advancing mutual goals that support the interests of elected members and local government across the island of Ireland.

The agreement, signed on May 27, 2025, at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge, encompasses three main objectives:

• Year One – Focused on "Ending Violence Against Women and Girls," this year will prioritise sharing best practices, developing policies, and enhancing the capacity of local councillors to respond to emerging challenges in this area.
• Year Two – Concentrated on "Wellbeing," this year aims to raise awareness about available support and information related to wellbeing, as well as opportunities for cross-border dialogue and shared learning events.
• Year Three – Under the theme of "Irish Sea Cooperation," this year will focus on strengthening the collective voice of local government and building alliances to facilitate and shape future collaboration.

Cllr Alison Bennington, NILGA President, welcomed the announcement, stating, “For over 20 years, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) have collaborated on several strategic initiatives. On behalf of NILGA, I am delighted to sign this Memorandum of Collaboration between our two Associations.

“Over the next three years, this partnership represents a significant opportunity for NILGA and AILG to combine our strengths and expertise to create a greater impact for the local government sector. By working together, we can leverage our complementary capabilities, share resources, drive innovation and secure funding in ways that benefit our elected members and the people and communities they diligently serve.”

Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, AILG President, stated, “This Memorandum of Collaboration marks a renewed and ambitious chapter in the long-standing relationship between AILG and NILGA.

“Our focus over the next three years - on ending violence against women and girls, promoting wellbeing, and enhancing Irish Sea cooperation - reflects our shared belief in the power of collaboration. By combining our knowledge, experience, and leadership across both Associations, we can amplify our collective impact and deliver lasting, meaningful change for local communities.

“I am honoured to sign this agreement as AILG President, and I look forward to deepening our partnership with NILGA as we work together to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive future across this island.”

The MoC between NILGA and AILG will take effect on June 1, 2025. This agreement demonstrates both associations' commitment to fostering innovation, equity, and sustainability in partnership with local government over the next three years.

--ENDS--

The AILG & NILGA Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) is available to download from the NILGA website – AILG & NILGA MoC